Apodcastis a series of digital media files (either audio or video) released episodically and downloaded through RSS feeds. The term "podcast" originally derives its name from the iPod, the portable media player device from Apple which contributed to spread podcasts to the mainstream audience.

The disruptive power of podcasts resides in the way podcasts themselves are distributed and consumed. A podcast is delivered using RSS feeds, so you can easily subscribe to podcasts to receive all updates that are released over time at no cost. A podcast can also be accessed to the liking of the user, who can download a podcast file on her computer or transfer it to a portable device like a mobile phone or a MP3 player.

The disruptive power of podcasts has shifted the world of broadcasting from one where content was pushed to you at specified times, to a world where you are the puller who decides what to consume and when to consume your media files.

If you want to taste what podcasts are all about, I suggest you go to the iTunes Music Store and check out the impressive podcast directory they have gathered there. Here is also a brief guide about podcasts that will get you started in a few minutes if you're not yet familiar with how to use and consume podcasts.

If instead, you want to get your hands dirty and start producing and distributing your own podcasts, what I provide here is essentially the most comprehensive list of all the best podcast directories to submit your podcast and help other people find the great content you produce.

Small Business Podcast Directory is a free podcast directory and community devoted to small businesses that allows you to browse for thousands of audio and video podcasts. Each show has a featured page (with a backlink to the original website) where you can listen and subscribe to your favorite podcasts. You need to register to add your podcast to Small Business Podcast Directory and you can opt to receive an email notification when the team accepts your podcast submissions.

ZENcast is a free human-reviewed podcast directory where you can find a wide range of audio and video podcast shows. You can browse all the podcasts organized in different categories and then rate, download and subscribe to your favorite shows. ZENcast also makes available for free download the ZENCast Organizer, a software tool for Windows computers that lets you listen to the podcasts directly from your desktop. Registration is not mandatory to add a podcast feed, but you need to sign-up to rate an audio or video podcast.

Canada Podcasts is a podcast directory and conglomerate of podcasts groups which relate to Canada affairs. You can browse through each group of podcasts, read a brief description, listen to, share and make comments on the podcast shows. You don’t need to register to submit your podcast to Canada Podcasts, but you must have at least three episodes inside your podcast feed, with the most recent published in the last 30 days.